Creating PDF Files

Portable Document Format (PDF)

PDF is the new standard for electronic distribution of documents and is also our preferred file format. PDF files can be created from many software programs including Quark XPress, Microsoft Word, and Adobe Illustrator. PDF files are created when a file is saved as PostScript file then "distilled" or converted to a PDF file using Adobe's Acrobat Distiller.

The PDF Components

A PDF document contains the following components:

• A view file that displays the page or ad as you created it.
• Embedded Type 1 PostScript fonts.
• Graphic objects, such as logos or artwork.

The latest versions of many desktop publishing programs allow you to create a PDF file from within the application. Other programs, such as Quark XPress, do not have this feature available. Creating a PDF file when it is not a built in option, is a two-step process requiring Acrobat Distiller.

STEP ONE:Creating the PostScript file.

To create a PostScript file with Acrobat Distiller on a Macintosh (Windows users, see below):

1. Start your application, and open the document.
2. Select the Chooser from the Apple menu.
3. Click the PS Printer icon. Choose the printer you set up with the Acrobat Distiller PPD. Close the Chooser to return to your application.
4. Choose File > Print.
5. Select File as the destination if it is not already chosen. If the document is a color ad file or contains grayscale images, make sure the Color/Grayscale print option is checked.
6. Click OK. The Save As dialog box appears.
7. Select a folder for the PostScript file and enter a file name.

To create a PostScript file on Windows 95/98 with Acrobat Distiller:

1. Start your application, and open the document.
2. Choose File > Print.
3. Select Acrobat Distiller from the printer list and click OK.
4. Enter a pathname and filename for the PostScript file, using .ps as the file extension, select All Files (*.*) from the Save As menu, and click OK.

Note: Some applications insist on using a .prn extension instead of .ps. If this happens, you should rename the file with a .ps extension to allow Distiller to recognize and process the file.

STEP TWO: Distilling the PostScript file on Macintosh or Windows

It is important to set up Adobe Acrobat Distiller before you begin creating PDF documents. If you choose not to use Watched Folders, begin the Distiller process by selecting File > Open, then navigate to the folder where your PostScript file is saved. Select the PostScript file you saved in step one and click Open. Distiller displays a Save dialog for the PDF file it will create. Select a convenient folder, such as the desktop, and enter a name. Click Save to start the distilling process.

Check the messages window to ensure the PDF was created successfully without error.

Your PDF is ready to be uploaded.